Pros and Cons of Cookware Materials

Pros and Cons Pots-and-Pans

Which cookware materials is the best? Every type of cookware has pros and cons. And certain cooking methods work better in certain materials. For example, the ideal pan for saute will be very sensitive to temperature changes, whereas the best pot for braising will hold and regulate heat despite temperature changes.

Your goal should be to assemble the pieces that are most appropriate for the foods you cook. This guide will help you learn more about the surface materials used in most cookware and how they may work for you.

CAST IRON

Cast Iron is a poor conductor of heat; which means it's slow to heat up and slow to cool down. Cast iron cookware is available in its natural state or enamel coated and both cook similarly but there are other notable differences.

Durability :

Ease to use :

Price (1 star = low price) :

Suitable to cook:
​Chop, steak, thick fish fillets 

Recommended Brand:
No specific brand 

Tips :

Pre-season before use, creates a wonderfully nonstick interior.

Downside :
- Rust in moisture circumstances 
-Heavy 

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel is made by adding chromium and nickel to steel, making it highly anti-corrosive. The most preferred type will be stamped "18/10" (the ratio of chromium to nickel added) though other types of stainless steel are also used with very good results. 

Durability :

Ease to use :

Price (1 star = low price) :

Suitable to cook:
All kinds of dishes 

Recommended Brand:
Zebra  / Buffalo / WMF 

Tips :

Pre-season before use, creates a wonderfully nonstick interior.

Downside :
- Easy to stained and hard to clean 
- Need use a lot oil to prevent food stick on the pan.

NON-STICK

Nonstick lend themselves to healthy cooking. Most non-sticks allow the cook to use minimal amounts of oil or or even advertise that you can use none at all (we don't recommend that). You can use PTFE cookware safely as long as you use it properly. 

Durability :

Ease to use :

Price (1 star = low price) :

Suitable to cook:
Stir-fry vege, egg, etc...

Recommended Brand:
Tefal / Le Creuset / Scanpan

Tips :

-Do not use high heat to cook, shorten the lifespan of non-stick surface
-Cook with little to no oil
-Avoid using metal utensil

Downside :
- Shorter lifespan
- Extra care needed 
- Pricey

CERAMIC

Ceramic is a newer surface material in the world of nonstick cookware. It’s widely considered to be the safest and most environmentally friendly option.It’s free of PTFE and PFOA, and comes in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Durability :

Ease to use :

Price (1 star = low price) :

Suitable to cook:
Stir-fry vege, egg, etc...

Recommended Brand:
Greenpan / GreenLife 

Tips :

-Avoid the use of high heat, as this will affect its nonstick properties.
-Cook with little oil
-Avoid using metal utensil

Downside :
- Shorter lifespan
- Extra care needed 
- Pricey

You will use your pan almost daily, so it's important to make sure it has the right "feel." Choose the one best fit your need and budget. 

Other related articles : How To Choose Pot & Pan Best For For You?

How To Choose Pot & Pan Best For For You?

How to Choose right Cookware

Most pots and pans look similar, but there are certain qualities to check for as you decide which to buy. There are plenty of brands and types of cookware in store, how to choose the right pots and pan for yourself? 

Let's start with the most common coating available in Malaysia market. 

  • Stainless Steel 
  • Non-Stick
  • Ceramic
Tefal Expertise_Frypan - Copy

Non-stick coating is made up from chemical compound called Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), With the teflon coating, the food doesn't stick to it! Nonstick cookware can be much healthier than cooking with stainless steel cookware.

With non stick coating cookware, you can put no oil to little oil to cook food, is lot healthier than cooking with stainless steel. However, still advise not to skip all oil, food cook without any oil doesn't taste good and eating food cooked with proper amount of cooking oil is perfectly fine. 

Most important, using non-stick cookware make life a lot easier , easy to cook, clean and maintain.

One of the disadvantage of non-stick coating is the durability and heat resistance ability, user who use non-stick take care the non-stick coating to pro-long the lifespan of the coating. For example, never be overheated the non-stick cookware, low or medium heat is recommended for cookware with Teflon™ nonstick coatings. Do not use metal spatula and avoid cook food with hard shell, which will scratch the coating. There are many more care tips available online. 

Self experience, average 1-2 years need to get another new non-stick pans. Frequency of usage is 4-5 times a week. 

Most Popular brand for non-stick cookware in Malaysia :
- Tefal (from France)
- Le Creuset (from France)
- La Gourmet Shogun 

Others General Tips while choosing pots & pans
1st, you have to pick up the pan and feel it by your self, look for heavy-gauge materials, hinner-gauge materials spread and hold heat unevenly, and their bottoms are more likely to dent and warp. Ensure handle is sturdy, heatproof, and secure.
2nd, check on the material of the pots and pans, especially cookware with coating, make sure there are environmental friendly, safe to consume and PFOA free

3rd, Check on the cookware base, ensure the pots and pans you looking are compatible with the cooking hob in your kitchen. There are varies type of cooking hob in the marketing, for instant like gas, infrared, hot plate, ceramic, induction and etc... Please check your cooking hob before proceed to buy new pots and pan.
Most common cases happened on induction hob, which shopper may not aware their cooking hob is induction and bought a non compatible pots and pans, at the end the pan not able to heat up by the induction hob. 
Of course, as a consumer, we can get back the product to seller and exchange another one, but is kinda wasting your time. If you are not sure what type of cooking hob you using in your kitchen, no worries, just proceed to induction compatible pots and pans, because once its compatible with induction, it compatible to all kinds of hob.
4th, Ensure the size is enough for your family size. Here is some suggestion for picking sizes
1-2 Pax : 24-26cm diameter
3-4 Pax : 28- 30cm diameter
4 Pax & Above : 30cm and above diameter


We hope we have provided you with information for an informed decision to purchase a wonderful best cookware set.  Happy shopping!

Other related articles : Pros and Cons of Cookware Materials

Dyson Supersonic hair dryer honest review 2019

worth to invvest on dyson hair dryer ?

At RM1,799.00, the Supersonic is hardly a snip. But if you’ve got the cash to splash, it’s well worth it to have a good-hair day, every day. Second question, is it really worth it ? Here we came out with few reasons why people willing to spent above thousand ringgit to get a hair dryer. 

Designer and founder and chief executive of Dyson Ltd

Hairdryers can be heavy, inefficient and make a racket. By looking at them further we realized that they can also cause extreme heat damage to hair." With this in mind, he would go on to challenge his team of engineers, designers and creative minds to come up with a solution.

Dyson Hair Dryer supersonic reviews
Dyson hair dryer Intelligent heat
100%
Technology 
95%
Design
90%
Drying Speed 
50%
Price
  • Design & finishing
    The appearance is beautiful and it makes no noise
    The shape of the Dyson hair dryer is amazing for many people because it is cylindrical – this is completely different from the shape of almost all other hair dryers on the market, plus its metallic luster, the entire hair dryer looks very upscale. Most of the people will understand the reason of high price point after they try to hold up on hand and try this hair dryer. Magnetic attachments -The Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer comes with rotating magnetic attachments. This is so cooool.... on hand feeling is extremely good.

  • Unique Technology
    Microprocessor built in
    The Dyson Supersonic also has a microprocessor built in which measures and regulates air temperature 20 times every second. This, in turn, helps to prevent extreme heat damage.
    The smoothing nozzle lets you rough dry with fingers but maintain a smooth finish by controlling air flow – less velocity, no unruly blast of air. 
    Sound 
    In short and best way to describe with is using car starting engine noise,
    Dyson supersonic - Ferrari
    Branded hair dryer -  Toyota 
    Common no brand hair dryer - Perodua

  • Save time
    Dries in nearly half the time
    The Dyson Supersonic doesn't blow your hair around like a gale force wind; the nozzles direct the airflow precisely to result in a super sleek finish, in less time than it would take a normal hairdryer. Best for people who always traveling and who seek and demand for quick.  

Disadvantages

  • Pricey 
  • No lighter than its rivals
  • You’ll need to stop drying to change the temperature or speed

Here is some videos reviews from other youtubers for your reference. 

$50 vs $500

Unboxing DYSON Supersonic Hair dryer (english version)

Dyson supersonic VS panasonic EH-NA98C (cantonese version)

Reviews after using 1.5years
(english version) 

Why Le Creuset so Expensive?

reason Why people buy le creuset -

Believe every cooking enthusiast own at least one or two Le Creuset in their kitchen, but why ? why almost everyone love such a heavy and expensive cookware ?

There are plenty of reasons, but i will only highlight and list out 3 key reasons why cookery enthusiast love this brand.

  1. Quality and Usage
    The Le Creuset French oven is made from cast iron, which ensures that heat is maintained and distributed evenly. Internal and external coated with enamel which allow user to cook and clean easily. This feature is great for cooking techniques such as poaching, simmering, browning and braising. It also compatible with almost all kinds of cooking hobs and oven safe (oven-proof to 500°F / 260°C ).

    Tough and durable – the products from these cookware brands can last generations. It is unsurprising that they are often family heirlooms that can be passed one generation to the next.

    Despite the high price of producing cast-iron cookware in France. Le Creuset has maintained its foundry in Fresnoy le Grand since the company first started in 1925. Instead of shifting its production to other cost effective locations like China, Vietnam, Thailand etc, Le Creuset has remained loyal to its community. It bears the cost of producing high-end goods in France.

    Nevertheless, this brand comes with lifetime warranty. Le Creuset cookware is guaranteed to you by Le Creuset Malaysia to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the time of its purchase. T&C apply.
    le creuset -recipes 1le creuset -recipes 2le creuset -recipes 3
  2. The Signature COLOR and Heritage DESIGN
    The brand’s casting specialist Armand Desaegher and enameling specialist Octave Aubecq settled on a bright orange color for their first enameled oven in 1925 and named it Flame. They were inspired by the bright glow of molten cast-iron. Even the factory in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France, is painted the classic orange hue.

    Popular color available and its vary by country. Le Creuset has created about 100 colors, but the favorites are different depending on where you live. Americans opt for primary hues, Germans love Mediterranean blues and Japanese chefs pick pastels. French cooks go crazy for — what else? — the iconic Flame hue, which is called Volcanique in Le Creuset’s home country.

    The ideal brands for Pots and Pans collectors. Le Creuset owner proudly display their cookware on the stovetop or on the kitchen bench. This brand that has appeal and is trendy for all ages.
    le-creuset-heritage-stoneware-shallow-square-covered-baker-cle-creuset-sets-kitchenle-creuset-signature-cast-iron-deep-skillet-c
  3. Self Esteem
    According to a study published by the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, low self-esteem is a big factor in whether a person will buy luxury goods that he may not be able to afford. A sense of accomplishment is yet another reason why some people buy luxury goods. They want to reward themselves for their hard work by treating themselves to something they typically can’t afford.

    Luxury good can go a long way in increasing self-esteem or providing a sense of belonging. Luxury goods are the ultimate retail therapy, and fortunately for luxury brands like Le Creuset, WMF, Lagostina, All-Clad, Zwilling etc. Each and single pot or pan may cost you not lesser than RM1,000.00.

    People buy luxury goods for a variety of reasons, all of which are related to the strong emotions that we attach to expensive material goods. Whether we are financially comfortable or not, we will often purchase luxury items to show off to or gain acceptance from others and to reward ourselves for an accomplishment.

    Now that we understand the psychology behind why people buy luxury goods, we’ll be better equipped to quash down any emotions that try to convince the rational part of our brains that the more expensive something is, the better its quality.
    Le creuset cast iron set

    In summary, is Le Creuset really worth the price?
    It depends. If you are cooking enthusiast and financial comfortable, why not ?
    If you are only looking for some easy and safe to use, lesser / same price but come with more sizes and models of pots and pans, there are plenty of cookware brands in the market you may consider.

    Recipe:

Induction (IH) Rice cooker Malaysia Review And Comparison 2019

Top 5 Induction rice cooekr in malaysia 2019

The first practical electric rice cooker was invented by Yoshitada Minami, who had an association with Toshiba Electric Corporation. Japan's first rice cooker (Toshiba Consumer Marketing Corp.) The development of electric rice cookers began in the Taisho era (1912-1926), but it wasn't until 1955 that the first automatic rice cooker for household use went on sale in Japan. The company that made this cooker, Toshiba, spent five years developing it.

What is Induction(IH) rice cooker ? Lets start with the evolution of rice cooker.

conventional vs mechanical vs fuzzy logic microcomputer vs induction rice cooker

conventional vs mechanical vs fuzzy logic microcomputer vs induction rice cooker

Here we start the top 5 Induction rice cooker reviews and comparison available in Malaysia market.

Top 1- Hitachi Induction Rice Cooker RZ-JHE18Y (1.8L)

reviews -Top 1 induction rice cooker in malaysia 2019

Retail Price : RM 1,899.00 
Promotion Price : RM1,488.00

Top 2- Tefal  Induction Rice Cooker RK820D (1.8L)

reviews -Top induction rice cooker in malaysia 2019

Retail Price : RM 1,499.00
Promotion Price : RM899.00

Top 3- Panasonic Multi-function Induction Rice Cooker SR-HB184KSK (1.8L)

reviews -Top induction rice cooker in malaysia 2019

Retail Price : RM 1,799.00
Promotion Price : RM1,199.00 

Top 4- Tefal HEALTHY & TASTY Induction Low Gi Rice Cooker RK8608

reviews -Top induction rice cooker in malaysia 2019

Retail Price : RM 1,299.00
Promotion Price : RM999.00 

Top 5- CUCKOO IH PRESSURE MULTI-COOKER  CH10

reviews -Top induction rice cooker in malaysia 2019

Retail Price : RM 2,700.00
24 months installment : RM112.50

Full Spec Comparison (exclude CUCKOO) : http://comparedulu.com/compare/?compare=367,337,354,371

Where To Buy ?
Due to the price range is rather expansive than normal conventional, mechanical and fuzzy logic rice cooker, you might not able to find these induction rice cooker in common hypermarket or departmental stores. But you may pay a visit to higher end departmental stores or electronic home appliances specialist like Parkson, Harvey Norman, senQ, ESH, BanHinBee, Best Denki etc. 

Online Purchase at : Lazada 

Top 5 affordable rice cooker in Malaysia (2019)

top 5 affordable rice cooker

Why Rice Cooker is so important in Asian Country ?

Asian countries consume white rice and so many noodles in a day. No doubt, almost every family owned at least one rice cooker.

Using a rice cooker is quick and convenient, especially when making large quantities of rice, which makes them ideal appliances.

But there are so many different model of rice cookers in the market, how do we know which one is the best and whether it suit for for our needs and wants ?

Here are the top 5 affordable rice cooker you may consider (below RM500) : 

Top 1

4.5
Hitcachi Microcomputer rice cookerRZD10VFY

Hitachi Microcomputer Rice Cooker RZ-D18VFY (1.8L)

  • 1.8L /10cups

  • Auto Recipe Mode : 20 Recipes + 14 Cooking Modes

  • 3mm Durable Non-stick Pot

Top 2

4.5
Tefal Fuzzy Logic Spherical Pot Rice Cooker RK8145 (1.8L)_compare _review
  • 1.8L /10cups

  • 35 Cooking Programs 

  • 2 Years Warranty

Top 3

4.0
Panasonic rice cooker SR-CX188SSK

Panasonic Multi-function Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker SR-CX188SSK

  • 1.8L /10cups

  • 4.0 mm durable non-stick pot

  • 16 Cooking Programs 

Top 4

3.5
Hitachi Microcomputer Rice Cooker RZ-D18GFY (1.8L)

Hitachi Microcomputer Rice Cooker RZ-D18XFY (1.8L)

  • 1.8L /10cups

  • 10 Auto Recipe + 12 Cooking menus

  • 2.0mm non-stick pot 

Top 5

3.5
Tefal RK5001 0.5L Mini Rice Cooker
  • Compact size (0.5L Capacity /

  • 9 Cooking Programs  

  • 2 Years Warranty 

Full comparison table :  http://comparedulu.com/compare/?compare=332,419,399,336,357

*comparison base on menus available, pot thickness and ease of use, etc.